Central Government Notifies Intent to Acquire Land for Bhuj Naliya Railway Project in Kutch

The Ministry of Railways, Western Railway (Construction Organization), issued a significant notification, S.O. 903(E), on February 20, 2025, declaring the Central Government's intention to acquire land for a crucial Special Railway Project. This notification, published in the Official Gazette on the same date, outlines the proposed acquisition of land in District Kutch, Gujarat, for the Bhuj Naliya Gauge Conversion extension up to Vayor New Line, spanning 24.65 kilometers. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by sub-section (I) of section 20A of the Railways Act, 1989, determined that the land is required for a public purpose, specifically for the execution of this vital railway infrastructure project. The affected land, briefly described in the annexed schedule, includes private, non-agriculture plots in Bhuj Taluka, Bhuj Sim Village, with specific survey numbers 489/P and 488/1P.

The notification details a formal process for any person interested in the said land to raise objections to its acquisition and use. Such objections must be submitted in writing to the competent authority, identified as the Prant Officer-Bhuj, District Kutch, within a period of thirty days from the date of the notification's publication. The objection must clearly state the grounds for opposition. The competent authority is mandated to provide the objector an opportunity of being heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. Following the hearing of all objections and any necessary further inquiry, the competent authority will issue an order either allowing or disallowing the objections, and this decision will be final under sub-section (II) of section 20D of the Railways Act, 1989. The land plans and other pertinent details concerning the land covered by this notification are available for inspection by interested persons at the office of the competent authority. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government after being satisfied that for the public purpose, the land, the brief description of which has been given in the schedule annexed hereto, is required for execution of the Special Railway Project, namely, Bhuj Naliya Gauge Conversion extension up to Vayor New Line (24.65 KM) in District Kutch in the State of Gujarat, hereby declares its intention to acquire such land”.

This notification underscores the legislative intent to facilitate the expansion and modernization of India's railway network, a key policy rationale for infrastructure development. The Railways Act, 1989, particularly Section 20A, provides the statutory framework enabling the Central Government to acquire land for such public utility projects. The current legal position allows for compulsory acquisition of land for railway purposes, balanced by provisions for affected parties to voice their concerns. The notification addresses the practical necessity of securing land for the Bhuj Naliya Gauge Conversion extension, which involves changing the width of railway tracks (gauge conversion) and laying new tracks (new line) to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency in the region. While not amending existing laws, it operationalizes the powers vested in the government, creating new obligations for landowners whose properties are identified for acquisition and establishing a clear mechanism for them to exercise their right to object. The enforcement mechanism is clearly delineated through the specified timeline for objections and the final decision-making power vested in the competent authority, ensuring a structured approach to land acquisition for public projects.

Keywords: Railway land acquisition, Bhuj Naliya Gauge Conversion, Vayor New Line, Kutch District, Gujarat, Railways Act 1989, land acquisition notification, Ministry of Railways, public purpose Geo Tags: India, Gujarat District: Kutch